Jonas Sanker (; born November 23, 2002) is an American professional football safety for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers and was selected by the Saints in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Early life Sanker was born on November 23, 2002 in Charlottesville, Virginia. He attended The Covenant School in Virginia. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a three-star recruit and committed to play college football for the Boston College Eagles. However, Sanker later flipped his commitment to play for the Virginia Cavaliers.
College career As a freshman in 2021, Sanker notched five tackles. In week 4 of the 2022 season, he recorded his first career interception versus Syracuse. Sanker finished the 2022 season totaling 63 tackles with half a tackle being for a loss, two pass deflections, an interception, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble. In 2023, he led the Cavaliers in tackles with 107 while also making four for a loss, 11 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles. For his performance in the 2023 season, Sanker was named first-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Professional career
Sanker was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 93rd pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft. The Saints acquired the 93rd pick as part of the trade that sent Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders.
NFL career statistics LegendBoldCareer high
Regular season YearTeamGamesTacklesFumblesInterceptions GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL FF FR Yds TD Int Yds Lng TD PD 2025 NO 17 16 80 46 34 0.0 3 0 1 27 0 2 29 29 0 6Career 17 16 80 46 34 0.0 3 0 1 27 0 2 29 29 0 6
References
External links
New Orleans Saints bio Virginia Cavaliers bio